Thousands of women die every year from heart disease.

In a move to combat what has become the leading killer of women, health officials throughout the country have stepped up efforts to educate the vulnerable population.

While men continue to suffer to a large extent with heart disease, the medical profession is particularly concerned with women because they most often do not experience common warning signs.

Friday was National Wear Red Day. At Obici Hospital, the marketing team set up a display with what else-a red dress with a most appropriate red boa and hat to draw attention to heart disease.

&uot;The Red Dress brings awareness to women and hopefully it will force people walking by to ask, `What’s the red dress about?’&uot; said Kelli Tatum, marketing specialist for Obici.

On Friday, Obici Hospital took the message on the road to Chesapeake Square Mall for a fashion show featuring women in red sashaying styles across the runway, all while drawing more attention to heart health.

Throughout February, which is Heart Health Month, and in the following weeks, Obici is

offering several initiatives to the public:

nEvery Wednesday in February, in the hospital atrium, blood pressure checks from 1 to 3 p.m.; Feb 9; 4 to 6 p.m., Feb. 16; and 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 23.

-On Fridays, Obici Chefs will prepare Health Heart dishes, and provide the recipes. The cost of the lunch specials vary.

-Glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure screenings,

first Tuesday of the month, from 9 a.m. until noon. Includes total cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), total/HDL ratio, blood glucose and blood pressure. The cost is $20. The next screening is

March 1.

-Bone density screening for women, the second Tuesday of the month, from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. The results of this test are used to assist physicians in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. The cost is $20. Upcoming dates are Feb. 8 and March 8. No appointment is required.

-&uot;Hypertension-Don’t Let It Strike You Out,&uot; Heart Wellness Class with Lora Horpold, RN, MSN, FNP-C. from 10 to 11 a.m., Feb. 16.The cost is $10. There will be an overview of hypertension including risk

factors and treatment options.

-&uot;Love Your Heart,&uot; Nutrition Class with Karen Newton, R.D.

Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The cost is $10. Learn about nutritional changes that can keep hearts

beating strong.

Pre-registration and payment are required, and can be done at the Obici Wellness Center, 2769 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by mailing payment to Obici Hospital, Wellness Coordinator, PO Box 1100, Suffolk, Va. 23434.

For more information, call 934-8572.

luefras.robinson@suffolknewsherald.com